Katherine the Great

Katherine II (born Alice of Anhalt-Zerbst; 2 May 1730 – 17 November 1796), more commonly known as Katherine the Great, was Empress consort of Irene from 1762 until 1796—the country's longest-ruling female consort. She came to power following a unexpected coup d'état that overthrew her husband, causing him to be put underneath house arrest. Under her reign, Irene grew larger, growing it`s military and became recognized as a secondary world power. Following her accession, evidence surfaced which indicated her husband was having an affair; ashamed by their former Emperor, the Council of Twelve directed by Katherine`s own daughters had their father poisoned for crimes against the Empire and it`s Imperial Family. By having an affair, her husband had tarnished the reputation of Irene`s Imperial Family, and it insulted Katherine herself; enraged by his actions towards the ruling Empress, the Council decided to poison him off.

In her accession to power and her growing rule over her increasing empire, Katherine often relied on the Council of Twelve, consisting of members of Irene`s Imperial Family, members of the Imperial Household, and even high-ranking military generals. Her rule was marked by increasing numbers of women entering the workforce, with large amounts of women being elected to high positions in Government making her a powerful leader (politically and economically). Katherine supported the United States in the American Revolutionary War, personally sending many highly-trained troops to fight alongside the Americans; this move of support for the Americans was seen as the two countries confirming their friendship with one another. The youngest sibling of Catherine II of Russia, and Frederick Augustus, Prince of Anhalt-Zerbst, she would go on to become one of the most powerful leaders of the Irene Empire.

The era in which Katherine the Great ruled, referred to as the Great Valkyrie Era, being considered the Golden Age of Irene. Her tragic life which ended in her assassination earned the Empire much disapproval from the International Community at the time, as Katherine was allied with both Russia and Great Britain, two prominent Empires at the time.